Stranger than the sun

For many of us the Faroe Islands are a mysterious place, small
parcels of land set adrift somewhere in the middle of a giant
triangle, with Scotland, Norway and Greenland at each of its
corners.

Despite their location, it is Denmark that holds a slim
governance over the territory, though calls for independence have
loomed large since the end of World War II, and remain today.
Isolated by geography and uncertain of their political destiny, the
islands are a curiosity to many travellers, unsure of whether to
make the trip to sample the undoubted rugged and rocky beauty of
green hills, valleys, waterfalls and lakes.

So it could just be that next year's full solar eclipse will tip
the balance in favour of a visit to the 18 tiny islands that make
up the Faroes, and all the signs are that they will be full to the
brim with 'eclipse chasers', as well as the indigenous population
of 50,000 people and 70,000 sheep.

The first record of a total solar eclipse in the Faroe
Islands was 30 May 1612 at 11:25am. An ancient story goes that four
quarrelsome brothers from the village of Sumba were tending to
their sheep and arguing, when they were suddenly shrouded in
darkness. They were petrified and promised the Lord that if they
lived through the terrible experience, they would live
harmoniously. The sun reappeared and the brothers never quarrelled
again.

The islands are one of only two places in the world where
the 2015 eclipse next March can be seen on land, and many of their
hotels are already fully booked. But savvy UK travellers wanting to
take in this natural spectacle can still book B&Bs, guesthouse
or homestay accommodation, or even camping spots around the
archipelago.

So on 20 March 2015 at 9.41am, there's probably no better place
to be than on the Faroes. There will be a week of festivals, events
and parties in honour of the eclipse, so it is set to be a unique
time to visit these usually peaceful islands that are steeped in
legend.

A special direct flight from London, to coincide with the
eclipse, will be operated by Atlantic Airways. To book your place
contact the airline direct by emailing booking@atlantic.fo (online
bookings are not possible). Alternative options are to fly via
Copenhagen, Oslo or Keflavik. For accommodation options see the Total Solar
Eclipse website or email solareclipse@torshavn.fo